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SANTA CLARA (CBS/KCBS) — With the rainy season here, the Santa Clara Valley Water District is launching a flood-awareness campaign. Residents are being reminded of the importance of having emergency kits that include batteries, flashlights and non-perishable food items for their home and car.

The multimedia campaign includes new TV ads that remind us flooding can be a serious hazard even if you don’t live in a low-lying area.

“If highway 87 or 85 flooded, then people would have a hard time getting to work, so it’s really something that affects everybody,” said Grimes.

Grimes said there’s also a homeowner benefit to all the flood protection measures they do. “The flood awareness and sandbag efforts actually help to reduce flood insurance rates for people in the county,” he added.

Grimes said if you live in a flood-prone area it is critical that you have separate flood insurance.